Adobe XD is a popular design tool used by designers to create user interfaces, wireframes, and prototypes. It is a powerful tool that has a range of features, including design systems, collaboration tools, and easy-to-use interfaces. However, not everyone can afford it, and some may prefer different tools for various reasons. This article will discuss the top 5 Adobe XD alternatives for designers who are looking for other options to create stunning designs.
Adobe XD alternatives in 2023
Sketch – Best Adobe XD alternative overall
Sketch is a popular design tool that has been around since 2010. It is a vector-based tool that allows users to create wireframes, high-fidelity designs, and prototypes. Sketch is known for its simple interface and comprehensive plugins, making it easy to customize and enhance its capabilities.
Sketch is a popular design tool that offers a wide range of features and capabilities. Here are some of the pros and cons of using Sketch for your design work:
Pros:
- Intuitive Interface: Sketch has a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy to use for designers of all skill levels.
- Vector Editing: Sketch is a vector-based design tool that allows for easy scaling and resizing of designs without losing quality.
- Plugin Ecosystem: Sketch has a wide range of plugins available that can add additional functionality to the software, including the ability to create realistic prototypes and streamline handoff between designers and developers.
- Symbol System: Sketch’s symbol system allows designers to create reusable design elements that can be updated across an entire design with a single click.
- Artboard Management: Sketch makes it easy to organize and manage multiple artboards within a single project, which is essential for larger design projects.
Cons:
- macOS Exclusivity: Sketch is only available on macOS, which means it may not be accessible to designers who use other operating systems.
- Limited Raster Image Capabilities: While Sketch is excellent for vector-based design work, it may not be the best tool for designers who need to work extensively with raster images.
- Steep Learning Curve: While Sketch’s interface is intuitive, it can still take time to learn all of the features and capabilities of the software.
- No Collaboration Features: Sketch does not have built-in collaboration features, which can make it challenging for teams to work on projects together.
- Limited Export Options: While Sketch allows for the easy export of designs in a range of file formats, some designers may find the export options to be limited compared to other design tools.
Figma
Figma is a cloud-based design tool that is similar to Adobe XD. It allows users to create and collaborate on designs in real time. Figma is known for its intuitive interface, vector networks, and comprehensive design system. Moreover, it is web-based, making it easy to access from anywhere.
Figma is a cloud-based design tool that has gained popularity among designers for its collaboration and prototyping features. Here are some of the pros and cons of using Figma for your design work:
Pros:
- Collaboration: Figma is a cloud-based design tool, which means that multiple designers can work on a project simultaneously. This makes it an ideal tool for design teams that need to collaborate on projects in real-time.
- Prototyping: Figma allows designers to create interactive prototypes within the software, which can help stakeholders visualize how a design will look and feel in real life.
- Vector Editing: Like Sketch, Figma is a vector-based design tool, which means that designs can be scaled and resized without losing quality.
- Plugins: Figma has a growing collection of plugins that can add additional functionality to the software, including the ability to create realistic animations and interactions.
- Cross-Platform: Unlike Sketch, Figma is available on both macOS and Windows, making it more accessible to designers who use a range of operating systems.
Cons:
- Learning Curve: While Figma’s interface is user-friendly, it can still take some time to learn all of the features and capabilities of the software.
- Performance: Some designers have reported issues with Figma’s performance when working on larger projects or complex designs.
- Export Options: While Figma allows for the easy export of designs in a range of file formats, some designers may find the export options to be limited compared to other design tools.
- Limited Symbol Support: While Figma does have a symbol system, some designers have reported that it is not as robust as Sketch’s symbol system.
- Cost: While Figma offers a free plan for individuals, access to some of its more advanced features requires a paid subscription.
InVision Studio
InVision Studio is a design tool that allows users to create and prototype designs. It has a range of features, including animations, transitions, and 3D transforms. InVision Studio is known for its intuitive interface and the ability to easily switch between design and prototyping modes.
InVision Studio is a design tool that was developed by the team behind the popular prototyping and collaboration platform, InVision. Here are some of the pros and cons of using InVision Studio for your design work:
Pros:
- Animation and Interaction Design: InVision Studio is a powerful tool for creating realistic animations and interactions in your designs. This makes it an ideal tool for designers who are working on app or web designs.
- Prototyping: InVision Studio offers a range of prototyping features, which can help stakeholders visualize how a design will look and function in real life.
- Collaboration: Like Figma, InVision Studio is a cloud-based design tool, which means that multiple designers can work on a project simultaneously. It also integrates well with InVision’s collaboration platform, which makes it easy to share designs and get feedback.
- Cross-Platform: InVision Studio is available on both macOS and Windows, making it more accessible to designers who use a range of operating systems.
- Easy-to-Use Interface: InVision Studio has a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy to use for designers of all skill levels.
Cons:
- Limited Vector Editing: While InVision Studio does offer some vector editing capabilities, it is not as robust as other vector-based design tools like Sketch or Figma.
- Learning Curve: InVision Studio has a range of features and capabilities, which can make it challenging for some designers to learn.
- Performance: Some designers have reported performance issues with InVision Studio when working on larger or more complex projects.
- Limited Export Options: While InVision Studio allows for easy export of designs in a range of file formats, some designers may find the export options to be limited compared to other design tools.
- Cost: While InVision Studio offers a free plan for individuals, access to some of its more advanced features requires a paid subscription.
Affinity Designer
Affinity Designer is a vector-based design tool that is similar to Adobe Illustrator. It allows users to create logos, illustrations, and graphics. Affinity Designer is known for its speed and performance, making it ideal for complex designs.
Here are some of the pros and cons of using Affinity Designer for your design work:
Pros:
- Affordable: Affinity Designer is a one-time purchase, which makes it an affordable alternative to Adobe Illustrator, which requires a subscription.
- Vector Editing: Like Illustrator, Affinity Designer is a vector-based design tool, which means that designs can be scaled and resized without losing quality.
- Cross-Platform: Affinity Designer is available on both macOS and Windows, making it more accessible to designers who use a range of operating systems.
- Non-Destructive Editing: Affinity Designer allows for non-destructive editing, which means that changes can be made to designs without altering the original artwork.
- Multiple Artboards: Affinity Designer allows designers to create multiple artboards within a single document, which can help to streamline the design process.
Cons:
- Learning Curve: While Affinity Designer’s interface is user-friendly, it can still take some time to learn all of the features and capabilities of the software.
- Limited Plugin Support: Affinity Designer has a limited number of plugins compared to other design tools, which may limit its functionality for some designers.
- Compatibility: While Affinity Designer can import and export a range of file formats, some designers may find that there are compatibility issues when working with other design tools.
- Limited Community: Affinity Designer does not have as large of a user community as some other design tools, which can make it harder to find resources and support online.
- Limited Brand Recognition: While Affinity Designer is gaining popularity among designers, it is not as well-known as Adobe Illustrator or other design tools.
Gravit Designer
Gravit Designer is a vector-based design tool that is available as a desktop and web-based application. It allows users to create logos, illustrations, and graphics. Gravit Designer is known for its comprehensive design system, including symbols, styles, and pages.
Here are some of the pros and cons of using Gravit Designer for your design work:
Pros:
- Free Plan: Gravit Designer offers a free plan, which includes many of its basic features and capabilities.
- Cross-Platform: Gravit Designer is available on both macOS, Windows, Linux, and in the browser, making it more accessible to designers who use a range of operating systems.
- Vector Editing: Like Illustrator, Gravit Designer is a vector-based design tool, which means that designs can be scaled and resized without losing quality.
- Multiple Artboards: Gravit Designer allows designers to create multiple artboards within a single document, which can help to streamline the design process.
- Collaboration: Gravit Designer allows designers to share and collaborate on designs with other designers or stakeholders in real-time, which can help to speed up the design process.
Cons:
- Limited Plugin Support: Gravit Designer has a limited number of plugins compared to other design tools, which may limit its functionality for some designers.
- Learning Curve: While Gravit Designer’s interface is user-friendly, it can still take some time to learn all of the features and capabilities of the software.
- Limited Text Formatting: Gravit Designer’s text formatting capabilities are not as robust as other design tools, which may limit its usefulness for designers who work extensively with typography.
- Limited Brand Recognition: While Gravit Designer is gaining popularity among designers, it is not as well-known as Adobe Illustrator or other design tools.
- Limited Community: Gravit Designer does not have as large of a user community as some other design tools, which can make it harder to find resources and support online.
Adobe XD alternatives | Conclusion
Adobe XD is a popular design tool used by many designers worldwide. However, there are several Adobe XD alternatives available, each with unique features and interfaces. Figma, Sketch, InVision Studio, Affinity Designer, and Gravit Designer are among the top Adobe XD alternatives that designers can consider. Each tool has its advantages and disadvantages, and designers should consider their specific needs and preferences when selecting a design tool. Whether you are a freelancer or a design agency, choosing the right design tool is essential to your success. By exploring Adobe XD alternatives, you can find the tool that best suits your design needs and helps you create stunning designs in 2023.
